About Russ

Russ’ passion for horses began as a young boy while spending his summers at his uncle’s farm in Europe.  His uncle shared stories of his ancestors, the Cossacks who were great horsemen that rode in battle with swords.   These stories later influenced Russ as a teen to become involved in the sport of sabre fencing.  Under the guidance of professional coaches, Russ developed strong mental and physical abilities which lead him to become a professional athlete; and was awarded reserve junior champion.

As an adult, Russ never forgot his true passion for the horse and followed his dreams to Canada to become a true horseman and to nurture his natural ability to communicate and educate the horse.   He studied many influential horsemen in the equine industry paying particular attention to how the horse was educated, how the horse responded, and how the horse performed as an athlete.

It became his life’s mission to develop his own equine educational horsemanship program, one that would develop the horse both mentally and physically. The “True Grit Academy” was established, a complete equine educational program where horse enthusiasts learn fundamentals that educate the horse’ mind and condition the horse body to perform willingly and confidently; ultimately improving both the horse and the horseman’s performance.

Russ’ own sports physiology experience as a professional athlete is a fundamental key ingredient of the “True Grit Academy”, by implementing lessons of timing, repetition, and increasing timing to develop muscle memory.  Improved mental abilities and improved horse performances are attained and enjoyed by both novice and professional horsemen.

Common sense philosophy and innovative methodology contributed to Russ Krachun’s worldwide success and recognition in clinics, seminars, online equine education, True Grit Academy, and his public appearances.  Russ is an innovative horseman that has developed not only his own successful education program but also in developing his own custom line of signature equipment and his versatility horses he offers for sale.

Russ Krachun has brought new ideas to the world to follow in equine education and has helped many horse enthusiasts to improve their horsemanship knowledge and to reach their own personal horsemanship goals.  Many have said that Russ Krachun has discovered the missing link in developing a willing and understanding partnership with the horse.